A quick dash in Toscana

Ostensibly, we are in Toscana for a couple of days to celebrate the achievement of my youngest son in not only passing his degree but doing so with the highest possible grade - "con lode". I have only admiration and a sense of pride in his achievements. Love Dad.

Pisa

I have spent a few days in Pisa before and it's a nice town. It's more or less a walkable city and there is always something to see if you are prepared to wander off the tourist path. We are camped (literally) about 20 minutes away from the centre in a camping village - all I can say is that these people have never camped! There is way too much luxury.

We spend the evening in Le Scuderie. Fortunately, we get in early because by the time we leave this pizzeria, it's heaving with students who have finished their academic year and are celebrating it with pizza sold by the metre! We stuff our faces and finish with cheesecake (frutti di bosco). Wandering at night avoids most of the tourists and gives up some interesting photos. 

We spent some time discussing the possibility of going to the Natural History Museum at La Certosa, Calci. In the end, it is left as a free day and so I decide to take the 10 minute trip to Viareggio to see a friend - the Doc.

Viareggio

Viareggio is a seaside resort ten minutes by train from Pisa. It has a slightly Edwardian air to it - there are still some buildings in what the Italians call the Liberty Style. The city was reconstructed by the Fascists and again after the city was bombed heavily during the Second World War. The Doc is my guide and we wander along the Molo which extends for some 6km. I introduce her to that very British of leisure pursuits of "paddling". "to dabble, wade in water," origins in 1520s. There is a beautiful wide promenade lined with a mix of chic shops and gelaterie and bars. Along the promenade there are constant reminders of what Viareggio is famous for: the annual Carnival held (in 2023) in February. there are also some beautiful bronze statues of dancers and musicians (they are the work of Anna Chromý). there is also a statue dedicated to the Carnival mascot: the Burlamacco.

The Budino di Mick

We end up at Galliano's bar. It's a typically chic seaside bar with outside seating (much needed after a lengthy passeggiata). It's also famous for the budino (like a rice cake with orange). After a concert in Lucca, Mick had one of the bar's famous desserts and then ordered a 100 of them! Anyway, it was very nice. 

It was great to see Viareggio but even better to see the Doc who is a great guide.

Saturday, we go to the award ceremony for number 2. So proud of him (have I said that already?). We then head for home after a hectic couple of days in Toscana. There are still other places to explore in this region but that's for another time.

Full photos here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/xFszaXxQ539GE3uT9